Documentary1987–CBSA&E

The Best Episodes of Biography

Every episode of Biography ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Biography!

Best episode
S6E13 Edward R. Murrow: Voice of America
9.2191 votes
Worst episode
S6E7 Constantine: The Christian Emperor
2.7153 votes
Top season
Season 18
9.5avg
Binge time
13d 5h
347 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons27

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Biography Season 6 Episode 13 - Edward R. Murrow: Voice of America
    9.2/10(191 votes)

    S6:E13

    He virtually invented broadcast journalism, setting all its standards and breaking all its rules. Edward R. Murrow is the pivotal figure in the history of TV news. But before he helped define that medium, he was already revered for his brilliant radio coverage of World War II. In bringing the epic struggle to millions of listeners worldwide, he became known as "the voice of America." This definitive profile includes extensive clips of these historic broadcasts along with footage from his career as a television pioneer. Discover how the insightful "hard news" programs he considered his best work never got the ratings he hoped for, and how he soon learned to give the viewers what they wanted creating the light, "frothy" celebrity profile that many feel is the curse of TV journalism to this day. Extensive interviews with colleagues and friends explore this professional paradox and reveal how it spilled over into his private life.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Biography Season 10 Episode 27 - RFK: His Many Sides
    8.8/10(147 votes)

    S10:E27

    A man who believed that we could be better than ourselves, he was on his way to becoming a great leader-but on June 5th, 1968, his life was cut short. Biography presents an intimate profile of RFK, one of the nation's most promising young politicians. Learn how he yearned to win his father's hard-won approval and the stolid support he provided for JFK. Witness his influential role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement and his role as a surrogate father, son, and husband after JFK's assassination. Discover the personal Bobby Kennedy, from his Harvard days to his close relationship with wife Ethel. Drawing on rare archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, RFK: His Many Sides traces the remarkable life a man who died before his time, leaving the nation to forever wonder, "What if?"

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Biography Season 11 Episode 22 - Peter O'Toole: Acting Out Loud
    8.8/10(115 votes)

    S11:E22

    The life of the magnetic, mercurial actor whose brilliance and unpredictability made him one of cinema’s most unforgettable figures. The episode traces O’Toole’s journey from his early days on the British stage to his explosive international breakthrough in Lawrence of Arabia, a performance that instantly cemented his legend. Biography delves into his fearless approach to acting, his love of language, and the intensity he brought to roles in films like Becket, The Lion in Winter, and My Favorite Year. The program also examines the wild, hard‑living persona that followed him off‑screen—his rebellious streak, notorious drinking, and the personal struggles that complicated his career. Through interviews, archival footage, and candid reflections, the episode paints a vivid portrait of an artist who lived loudly, performed boldly, and left behind a legacy defined by passion, wit, and uncompromising talent.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Biography Season 1 Episode 13 - Frederick Douglass
    8.7/10(110 votes)

    S1:E13

    As a young man, he experienced the brutality of slavery firsthand. As an outspoken leader of the abolitionist movement, he became one of the most powerful voices in American history. Frederick Douglass inadvertently found his calling while giving an impromptu speech at an anti-slavery meeting in 1841. As a formerly enslaved man, he quickly became not only a persuasive speaker, but also a poignant symbol of freedom. His insightful and eloquent lectures and tireless efforts to educate the public about the realities of slavery significantly furthered the abolitionist cause. This inspiring BIOGRPAHY program chronicles Douglass's remarkable life, from his childhood in slavery to his crucial work on behalf of formerly enslaved people following the Civil War. Rare photographs and extensive interviews with leading historians offer a revealing portrait of this extraordinary man.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Biography Season 6 Episode 5 - Caligula: Reign of Madness
    8.6/10(140 votes)

    S6:E5

    His reign lasted only four years and he was dead at the age of 28. Yet, as the third emperor of the Roman empire, he remains one of the most notorious rulers in history. Best remembered for his bacchanalian lifestyle and callous, heavy-handed ruling style, Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, or “Caligula,” as he was known, packed a lot into a very short life. In this incisive program, Biography goes beyond the legend to explore the anguished life of this infamous emperor. Discover how the first six months of Caligula’s rule were marked by a surprising degree of clemency and how a violent illness seemingly transformed him into the monster that history remembers today. Featuring interviews with leading scholars, Caligula: Reign of Madness is the ultimate profile of Rome’s most reviled ruler: the bizarre, bloodthirsty Caligula.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Biography Season 11 Episode 1 - Drew Barrymore: Beating the Odds
    8.6/10(104 votes)

    S11:E1

    Discover the life of the actress who grew up in the glare of Hollywood fame and fought her way back from personal turmoil to become one of the industry’s most resilient and beloved figures. The episode traces Barrymore’s early breakthrough in E.T., her chaotic childhood in a legendary acting family, and the struggles with addiction that nearly derailed her career before she reached adulthood. Through interviews, archival footage, and candid reflections, Biography explores how Barrymore rebuilt her life, reclaiming her career with acclaimed performances and a newfound sense of independence. The program highlights her evolution into a successful producer, entrepreneur, and talk‑show host, showcasing the determination and optimism that define her public persona. Ultimately, the episode presents a portrait of a woman who transformed hardship into strength, emerging as a symbol of perseverance and creative reinvention.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Biography

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  7. Biography Season 6 Episode 16 - Elizabeth: The Reluctant Monarch
    8.5/10(132 votes)

    S6:E16

    The episode presents an in‑depth profile of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring how a young woman who never expected to rule became one of the most enduring monarchs in modern history. Through archival footage and expert commentary, it traces her early life, the abdication crisis that unexpectedly placed her father on the throne, and the responsibilities that fell on Elizabeth as heir. The program examines her steady, measured approach to leadership, her commitment to duty, and the personal sacrifices required by her role. By highlighting key moments from her early reign and the challenges of guiding a changing nation, the episode portrays Elizabeth as a thoughtful, disciplined figure whose reluctance gave way to a lifetime of service.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Biography Season 10 Episode 2 - Al Lewis: Forever Grandpa
    8.5/10(129 votes)

    S10:E2

    Celebrate the life and career of the larger‑than‑life character actor best known as the lovable, sharp‑tongued Grandpa Munster. The episode traces Lewis’s early years in New York, his eclectic path through vaudeville, radio, and stage work, and the distinctive personality that made him unforgettable both on and off camera. Biography explores how The Munsters cemented his place in pop culture, yet only hinted at his wide‑ranging talents — from political activism to restaurant ownership to his later work in film and television. Interviews with friends, colleagues, and family reveal a man who embraced eccentricity, championed social causes, and maintained a fierce loyalty to his fans. Ultimately, the program paints a warm portrait of an entertainer whose humor, heart, and unmistakable presence ensured he would always be remembered as “Grandpa,” but was so much more.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Biography Season 11 Episode 33 - Angie Dickinson: Tinseltown's Classiest Broad
    8.5/10(129 votes)

    S11:E33

    Profiles the life and career of the actress whose blend of glamour, wit, and toughness made her one of Hollywood’s most distinctive leading ladies. The episode traces Dickinson’s rise from small‑town beginnings to breakout roles in films like Rio Bravo and Ocean’s 11, where her confident screen presence set her apart in a male‑dominated industry. Biography explores her transition to television stardom with Police Woman, highlighting how she brought nuance and strength to one of TV’s earliest female action heroes. The program also delves into her personal life—high‑profile relationships, the pressures of fame, and the private challenges she faced behind the scenes. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections from colleagues, the episode paints a vivid portrait of an actress who embodied style and resilience, leaving an enduring mark on both film and television.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Biography Season 9 Episode 25 - Henry Fonda: Hollywood's Quiet Hero
    8.4/10(168 votes)

    S9:E25

    An intimate look at the life and career of the actor whose understated strength and moral clarity made him one of cinema’s most enduring figures. The episode traces Fonda’s Nebraska roots, his early stage work, and his breakthrough roles in films like Young Mr. Lincoln and The Grapes of Wrath, where his quiet intensity became his signature. Biography explores how Fonda’s reserved nature contrasted with the powerful characters he portrayed, and how his personal struggles — including complex family relationships and bouts of self‑doubt — shaped his work. Interviews with colleagues, critics, and members of the Fonda family illuminate his disciplined approach to acting and his late‑career renaissance with films such as On Golden Pond. The program paints a thoughtful portrait of a man whose integrity, restraint, and emotional honesty defined him as Hollywood’s quiet hero.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Biography Season 10 Episode 21 - Joseph Stalin: Red Terror
    8.4/10(121 votes)

    S10:E21

    Examine the brutal reign of the Soviet dictator whose quest for absolute power transformed his nation into a state ruled by fear. The episode traces Stalin’s rise from a Georgian seminarian to Lenin’s successor, revealing how his cunning and ruthlessness allowed him to dominate the Communist Party. Biography explores the purges, forced collectivization, and show trials that defined his regime, exposing the staggering human cost of his paranoia and ambition. Through archival footage, eyewitness accounts, and expert analysis, the program portrays how Stalin’s policies led to famine, mass executions, and the creation of a vast network of labor camps. It also considers his role in World War II and the postwar expansion of Soviet influence. Ultimately, the episode offers a chilling portrait of a man whose iron grip and ideological zeal left millions dead and reshaped the course of the 20th century.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Biography Season 10 Episode 17 - General George Patton: A Genius for War
    8.4/10(96 votes)

    S10:E17

    General George S. Patton was a walking, talking, fighting machine whose personality was bigger and noisier than one of his Sherman tanks. He was tough. He was vain. He was brilliant. And in a world gone mad with war, he was our greatest field commander. His slashing armored columns dismembered the panzers of Hitler's Thousand Year Reich with matchless thunder and dash. Passionate and arrogant, he slapped soldiers and cried over them; he was vilified and deified. But when it came time for the bloody business of war, George Patton had no peers. This revealing profile takes a look at the complex personality of the man who struck fear into Nazi generals and left Allied superiors questioning his sanity. March into battle with George S. Patton, a man who lived and died a warrior.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Biography Season 1 Episode 10 - Napoleon Bonaparte: The Glory of France
    8.3/10(127 votes)

    S1:E10

    He took France to its greatest period of influence in history. But his ego and thirst for ever more power led to one of the greatest downfalls ever. Napoleon Bonaparte stands as one of the greatest military commanders to ever live. As a ruler he brought France to unprecedented heights of glory only to see it unravel as a result of his arrogance. Examine the life and legend of the Corsican commander's greatest military victories in detail. Trace his rise to power and tragic decline, and explore the monumental legacy that continues to influence the world to this day.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Biography Season 11 Episode 32 - William Holden: An Untamed Spirit
    8.3/10(123 votes)

    S11:E32

    Explore the life of the charismatic, adventurous actor whose blend of rugged charm and emotional depth made him one of Hollywood’s most compelling leading men. The episode traces Holden’s rise from a young discovery at Paramount to acclaimed performances in classics like Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, and The Bridge on the River Kwai. Biography delves into the contradictions that defined him—his professionalism and talent contrasted with a restless nature, love of travel, and struggles with alcohol that complicated both his career and personal relationships. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections from friends and colleagues, the program reveals a man driven by curiosity and independence, often at odds with the studio system that made him a star. Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid portrait of an actor whose untamed spirit shaped a remarkable career and left an enduring legacy in American film.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Biography Season 11 Episode 26 - Ida Lupino: Through the Lens
    8.3/10(121 votes)

    S11:E26

    Profiles the trailblazing actress‑turned‑director who carved out a unique place in Hollywood by refusing to accept the limits placed on women in the industry. The episode traces Lupino’s rise from her early acting career—marked by standout performances in films like They Drive by Night and High Sierra—to her groundbreaking work behind the camera, where she became one of the first female directors in the studio era. Biography explores her independent spirit, her willingness to tackle taboo subjects such as unwed motherhood, disability, and sexual assault, and the formation of her own production company to tell stories others avoided. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections on her pioneering achievements, the program paints a vivid portrait of a woman who challenged convention, mastered both sides of the lens, and left an indelible mark on film and television history.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Biography Season 6 Episode 12 - Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Psychic
    8.3/10(112 votes)

    S6:E12

    While appearing to sleep, he touched the lives of thousands and saw into the future. His remarkable gift made him the most famous spiritualist since Nostradamus. Edgar Cayce downplayed his apparently supernatural abilities, saying, "I don't do anything you can't do, if you're willing to pay the price." The price must have been high indeed, for he seemingly traveled through space and time with his mind alone. Biography profiles the life of the man known as "the sleeping psychic." See how he predicted both World Wars and the 1929 stock market crash, and diagnosed the illnesses of people sometimes thousands of miles away, all from a trance-like sleep. See how his prescriptions for the afflictions he diagnosed foreshadowed many of the staples of today's holistic and homeopathic cures. Spiritualists and cynics examine his gift and career, while contemporary accounts and interviews with those he helped cure testify to his astonishing abilities.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Biography Season 7 Episode 44 - Dean Martin: Everybody Loves Somebody
    8.3/10(111 votes)

    S7:E44

    Throughout his legendary partnership with Jerry Lewis and years of solo stardom, his laid‑back charm made everything look easy. Dean Martin was one of America’s greatest celebrities for more than 50 years. Discovered by Jerry Lewis in Atlantic City, the young singer joined the madcap comedian to create one of the most famous entertainment teams ever. When their tumultuous ten‑year partnership ended, Martin went on to a string of solo successes as an actor and singer. Biography presents the definitive Dean Martin story—including movies with the Rat Pack and knocking the Beatles from the top slots in the charts—drawing on rare clips and photos and candid interviews with family, friends, and co‑stars. From his early days as a card shark and prizefighter to his zenith as the highest‑paid entertainer in the world, Dean Martin profiles a truly unforgettable man.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Biography Season 11 Episode 31 - Bob Fosse: Dancing on the Edge
    8.3/10(93 votes)

    S11:E31

    The life of the groundbreaking choreographer and director whose unmistakable style reshaped American musical theater and film. The episode follows Fosse from his early days as a vaudeville performer to his rise on Broadway, where his angular movements, turned‑in knees, and smoky sensuality became instantly recognizable. Biography explores his triumphs with works like Cabaret, Chicago, and All That Jazz, highlighting his relentless drive for perfection and the creative risks that made him a visionary. The program also delves into Fosse’s turbulent personal life—his struggles with addiction, demanding work habits, and complicated relationships—revealing the tension between his artistic brilliance and self‑destructive impulses. Through interviews, archival footage, and behind‑the‑scenes insights, the episode paints a vivid portrait of a man who lived and created on the edge, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance and entertainment.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Biography Season 11 Episode 3 - Elizabeth Montgomery: A Touch of Magic
    8.1/10(111 votes)

    S11:E3

    From the beloved nose-twitching witch of Bewitched to her daring roles in groundbreaking TV dramas, Elizabeth Montgomery captivated audiences with a rare blend of beauty, charm, and fearless talent. This compelling Biography special explores the life and legacy of the iconic actress who transcended sitcom stardom to become a powerful force in television history. Featuring rare footage, personal photos, and revealing interviews with family, friends, and co-stars, A Touch of Magic traces Montgomery’s privileged beginnings as the daughter of Hollywood royalty, actor Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Bryan Allen, her rise to fame in the 1960s, and her bold choices in later years to portray controversial and socially conscious roles. An intimate and affectionate portrait of a woman who defied expectations and redefined what it meant to be a leading lady on the small screen.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Biography Season 3 Episode 2 - Henry Ford: Tin Lizzy Tycoon
    8.1/10(102 votes)

    S3:E2

    He made the automobile accessible to the common man. The common man made him rich. Henry Ford was one of the great innovators of our time. When the car he invented became so popular he couldn't build them fast enough he came up with the modern assembly plant to meet demand. The rest is history. BIOGRAPHY profiles the life of the industrial giant who earned notoriety for his intolerance as well as his inventiveness. Interviews with former workers and family members point out his genius and eccentricities while automotive historians trace his monumental career from his first hand-built car to saving his company with the introduction of the V-8 at an age when most men are long retired. This is the fascinating story of the driven man who changed the way we all live ironically spelling an end to the America he loved.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Biography Season 10 Episode 22 - Lewis & Clark: Explorers of the New Frontier
    8.0/10(146 votes)

    S10:E22

    Recount the epic journey that opened the American West and defined an era of discovery. The episode follows Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they embark on the Corps of Discovery expedition in 1804, charged by President Thomas Jefferson with charting the vast, unmapped territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase. Biography explores their challenges — treacherous terrain, harsh weather, and delicate diplomacy with Native nations — and highlights the essential contributions of Sacagawea, whose knowledge and presence helped guide the expedition safely to the Pacific. Through journals, maps, expert commentary, and vivid reenactments, the program reveals how the two leaders’ partnership, resilience, and curiosity transformed a perilous mission into a landmark achievement. Ultimately, the episode offers a sweeping portrait of explorers whose courage and observations reshaped America’s understanding of its own frontier.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Biography Season 6 Episode 18 - F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great American Dreamer
    8.0/10(132 votes)

    S6:E18

    The episode traces the brilliant yet turbulent life of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the novelist whose work came to define the Jazz Age. It follows his rise from a promising young writer to a literary sensation with the publication of This Side of Paradise, and explores his passionate, complicated marriage to Zelda Sayre, whose spirit and struggles deeply shaped his fiction. The program highlights Fitzgerald’s creation of The Great Gatsby, his most enduring masterpiece, and examines the personal demons—alcoholism, financial instability, and fading fame—that haunted him in later years. Through archival footage, expert commentary, and dramatized scenes, the episode portrays Fitzgerald as a gifted but fragile artist whose pursuit of the American Dream mirrored the triumphs and tragedies of his own life.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Biography Season 11 Episode 16 - Queen Noor: Between Two Realms
    8.0/10(115 votes)

    S11:E16

    The remarkable journey of Lisa Halaby, the American‑born woman who became Queen Noor of Jordan and an influential global humanitarian. The episode follows her transformation from an architect with a cosmopolitan upbringing to the wife of King Hussein, stepping into a complex world of royal protocol, Middle Eastern politics, and cultural diplomacy. Biography explores her efforts to bridge cultures, her advocacy for peace and development, and the personal challenges of life in a monarchy undergoing rapid change. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections from those close to her, the program highlights her resilience, compassion, and commitment to public service. Ultimately, the episode presents a portrait of a woman navigating two identities—American and Jordanian—while forging a role uniquely her own on the world stage.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Biography Season 14 Episode 2 - Vincent Price: The Versatile Villain
    7.9/10(230 votes)

    S14:E2

    Explore the life and career of the actor whose unmistakable voice, elegant presence, and sly charm made him Hollywood’s master of macabre. The episode traces Price’s early years, his transition from stage to screen, and his surprising range—from historical dramas and film noir to the iconic horror roles that defined his legacy. Through interviews, archival footage, and scenes from classics like House of Wax and The Pit and the Pendulum, Biography reveals how Price blended sophistication with sinister wit, creating villains who were as charismatic as they were chilling. The program also highlights his passions beyond acting, including his work as an art collector, gourmet cook, and cultural ambassador. Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid portrait of a man who embraced the theatrical, delighted audiences for decades, and became an enduring symbol of stylish, intelligent horror.

    Director:Kerry Jensen-Izsak
    Writer:Lucy Chase Williams

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  25. Biography Season 6 Episode 1 - Anastasia: Her True Story
    8.0/10(106 votes)

    S6:E1

    Born in 1901, she was supposedly the fourth and final daughter of the Russian czar. But the woman who claimed to be the princess for over 60 years was more likely the daughter of a Polish factory worker. Amongst the many mysteries surrounding the Romanovs is the story of Anastasia. Was she killed along with her family in 1918, or did she escape into New York high society? Leading historians discuss the young princess before the Russian Revolution and explore recent forensic findings that conclusively prove that the woman who lived as Anastasia was not the real princess. Rare home movie footage and extensive interviews with those who knew her capture the intrigue of this fascinating figure. Anastasia: Her True Story offers an illuminating investigation into the unique double-life and enduring enigma of the puckish young princess who symbolized the glory of Czarist Russia.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Edward R. Murrow: Voice of America" is the best rated episode of Biography. It scored 9.2/10 from 191 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on April 3, 1997. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "RFK: His Many Sides".

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